If people often ask you why your hair is wet, you probably have extremely oily hair. Oily hair is a byproduct of too much sebum, a waxy substance which is designed to keep hair supple, soft and waterproof, according to the website Hair Boutique. By learning about the causes of your oily hair and the shampoo options available to reduce oiliness, you can reduce your "wet" look and enjoy healthier, more balanced hair.
Background
Hair is composed of keratin, a form of protein, according to Teens Health. Hair grows from follicles beneath the scalp, which produce oil and release nutrients to nourish hair. Once hair reaches the surface of the scalp, it is no longer living. The follicles continue to produce oil, however, which coats hair strands growing from the scalp. People with fine hair tend to have a lot of hair, which translates to more oil glands in the scalp, according to Hair Boutique.
Types
There are two types of oily hair: hair that is greasy down to the scalp, and hair that is greasy but the scalp is not. Hair Boutique states that oily hair with a dry or normal scalp can occur from heavy styling products and conditioners or using the wrong products for your hair type, so limit your product use or try different formulas to reduce hair greasiness. Hair that is oily from the scalp can be the result of hereditary as well as body conditions, such as excessive sweating and stress.
Shampoo for Oily Hair
When searching for shampoo for your oily hair, choose products that use terms such as "oil control," "clarifying" and "oil reducing." There are many shampoos for oily hair, and you may have to experiment to find the best product for your hair type. Look for a shampoo with an astringent, which helps reduce oil. Plant extracts with astringent include rosemary, sage, chamomile and tea tree oil. Normal hair needs a shampoo with a pH between 4.5 and 6.7, but oily hair requires a more alkaline product, so choose a shampoo with a pH higher than 6.7.
Shampoos to Avoid
If you have oily hair, there are certain shampoos and ingredients you will want to avoid. Any shampoo that is moisturizing would be detrimental for your hair, as it will add more shine. Also avoid deep conditioning products on your scalp, as they often include oils and moisturizers. Conditioners can add oil to hair, so use sparingly and apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, not the roots.
Shampoo Methods
Shampoo your hair daily to keep the oil under control. If you do not have an oily scalp, you may not need to shampoo as frequently, as your body is not producing as much oil as someone who has an oily scalp. Hair Boutique advises washing your hair in lukewarm or room temperature water, as hot water can cause dryness, which spurs more oil production in the scalp.
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